Mr. Pulaski contest raises money for good causes

From swimwear to formal wear, 10 Pulaski High School boys showcased their beauty, talents and interview skills on Feb. 28 as they vied for the distinction of Mr. Pulaski.

In front of a panel of judges (Pulaski school district teachers and faculty), the teens danced, sang, did karate and entertained a packed auditorium for the 12th annual event, which resulted in a title crown for Devon Bice.

While there were plenty of laughs during the light-hearted event, it served as much more than a show. The charity event was designed to raise money for the Darcy Hilton Scholarship.

Hilton was a graduate of Pulaski schools who passed away due to cystic fibrosis. The scholarship was created in her honor.

Her nephew, Hunter Hilton, a former Mr. Pulaski contestant and one of the judges for the Feb. 28 event, said the annual competition helps unite the community while keeping Darcy’s memory alive.

“She was an amazing person, she always had a smile on her face,” her nephew recalled. “It’s amazing to see this kind of support – it’s breathtaking.”

In addition to the Hilton scholarship, this year’s event also raised money for the Don’t Skip a Beat Campaign, which was spearheaded by Pulaski senior Jimmy Carnes as a way to help students afford lifeguard training courses. Carnes is a past winner of Mr. Pulaski and served as the emcee for this year’s show.

Thanks to the support of those who attended the show, both Carnes’ campaign and the Hilton scholarship benefited in a big way, according to event coordinator and teacher Jill Truax. “We raised over $3,000, with a few donations yet to come in,” she said. “That is the best we have ever done at the event.”

Money also was raised from admission as well as an auction, which created fun-spirited bidding wars for the contestants.